Laporta’s challenges as president of Barcelona

Joan Laporta was the favorite to win even before the votes were counted on Sunday and even before the official campaigns began.

He was confirmed as the new president of Barcelona on Sunday evening with just over 54 percent of the vote, ahead of Victor Font and Toni Freixa.

Now, Barcelona needs to be reformed. Starting with the serious financial crisis they are facing and the contract of Lionel Messi, Laporta has a lot of work in his hands.

Messi

Laporta should work for Messi’s contract. Renewing his contract will come at a huge cost to the club, but his exit would hit revenue hard and come as an emotional shock as well.

The newly elected president of Barcelona believes that convincing the Argentine to stay is more important than managing finances, for now.

The structure

Decisions have to be made to start forming next season squad.

So far, Laporta has kept his cards close, but Matthew Alemany is his right-hand man and is expected to be CEO.

Jordi Cruyff could enter as sporting director to join Barcelona’s new look.

Transfer market

The post-pandemic market is a difficult market to operate, especially for Barcelona as they have no money to spend.

The new board should generate revenue and should also consider renewing the contracts of Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele.

Philippe Coutinho and Samuel Umtiti are likely to go on sale and Sergio Aguero could enter into a free transfer.

Ronald Koeman wants Eric Garcia, Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay to come.

Debt

The club owes over one billion euros, with 700 million euros being short-term.

They should seek funding immediately, through sponsors, more members, t-shirt ads or any other way. Wages also need to be adjusted.